CERT Corner
Severe Weather Preparedness
by Kevin MacGregor
March/April 2005
When most people think of thunderstorms and tornados, they think of
summertime, but the truth is that severe weather can occur at any time
of the year. By taking a few moments to become familiar with the
following recommendations, you and your family will be better protected
in the event of severe weather.
No matter where you live or what your level of preparedness is, every
household should do at least the following:
- Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 for emergency
assistance.
- Keep important documents and records in a safe deposit box or
other secure location away from the home.
 Maintain a
disaster supply kit, which includes flashlights, a National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with a battery
backup and tone-alert feature (which automatically alerts you when a
Watch or Warning is issued), fresh batteries, a change of clothing and
shoes, canned food and bottled water, cash or a credit card, a first
aid kit and manual, a fire extinguisher, waterproof matches, and a
signal flare and whistle. If you have a pet, your kit should also
contain a spare ID collar and rabies tag, a leash, pet food and extra
water, kitty litter or trash bags for waste, and veterinary records
(which are necessary if your pet has to go to a shelter). For a
complete list of recommended items, see the IEMA publication, "Severe
Weather Preparedness," available from your local library or the
IEMA website.
Thunderstorms
 Close all
windows and doors, and draw the shades or blinds to reduce the risk from
flying glass due to high winds or flying debris. Monitor radio and
television for emergency instructions.
To reduce the risk of lightning strikes, avoid using the telephone or
other electrical appliances, and delay taking baths or showers until
after the storm passes. Stop activities in or near water, such as
swimming, boating, and fishing, and seek shelter immediately (avoid
sheds, tents, baseball dugouts, or standing under bleachers). If no
substantial shelter is available, seek refuge in a hard-topped vehicle
with the windows up, or find a low spot away from trees and power poles
where you can crouch down on the balls of your feet to make yourself the
smallest target possible. DO NOT LIE FLAT on the ground!
Outdoor sporting events are very susceptible to lightning strikes
because the games are played in open areas. If you or your children are
involved in outdoor recreational activities, verify that coaches,
umpires, referees, and camp counselors have guidelines for postponing
games BEFORE thunderstorms approach. If someone is struck by lightning,
call 9-1-1 right away! Victims of lightning strikes do NOT carry any
electrical charge and are safe to handle. If the victim’s heart has
stopped, or they have stopped breathing, administer CPR immediately.
Tornados
 Determine the best
location in your home or office to seek shelter. Basements or cellars
are best, but if underground shelter is not available, go to an inner
hallway or small, windowless room, such as a bathroom or closet, on the
lowest level. If you cannot find an inner room, go to the center of the
room, get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or
heavy table, and hold onto it. Use pillows, mattresses, or cushions to
protect your head and neck. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch,
culvert, or low-lying area, or crouch near a strong building, and shield
your head with your hands.
Keep yards clean of toys, lawn tools, gardening equipment and other
objects, which can become high speed, wind-borne missiles. Conduct
periodic tornado safety drills with your family, and decide how and
where your family will reunite after a tornado strikes.
Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change
directions quickly and can easily toss a vehicle through the air. Get
out of the vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building. DO
NOT park under a bridge or underpass. If there isn’t time to get
indoors, get out of the vehicle and seek a low-lying area away from the
vehicle.
Flooding
 If you have a basement,
chances are you will experience a flood at least once in your lifetime.
Exercise extreme caution when entering a flooded basement, as death from
electrocution may result. Flooding may also extinguish pilot lights on
furnaces or water heaters, allowing gas to build up in the home. Also,
avoid coming into contact with floodwater. It could be contaminated with
oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Consider purchasing flood insurance for
your property. Flood losses are not covered under most homeowners
insurance policies (call your insurance company for more information).
Watch out for flooded roads. People lose their lives by attempting to
drive over a flooded roadway. The speed and depth of the water is not
always obvious, and there may be a hidden portion of the roadway washed
out under the water. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.
Also, stay alert after floodwaters recede. Roads may have been weakened
and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle.
A few hours preparing for severe weather is time well spent. Think of
your loved ones, and remember that your first priority is safety!
Sources
Illinois
Emergency Management Agency
For additional information on severe weather or other hazards,
contact the following:
- Your local Emergency Management Agency (EMA/ESDA)
- Your local chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC) or
www.redcross.org
- The nearest office of the National Weather Service (NWS)
- National Weather Service Forecast Office websites:
Romeoville, IL
Lincoln, IL
Village of Hanover Park
2121 West Lake Street
Hanover Park, IL 60133
(630) 372-4200
Hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday, 8:00 am - 7:30 pm
All information © 2008 Village of Hanover Park, Illinois
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